American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) soil survey is invaluable for determining the location of prime farmland due to its detailed information regarding soil types, quality, and land capabilities. These surveys provide comprehensive data on various soil characteristics, including texture, structure, drainage, and fertility, which are critical factors in assessing the agricultural potential of specific areas.

Prime farmland is defined by a combination of these soil features that support high agricultural productivity and sustainability. The SCS soil survey helps planners and agriculturalists identify which tracts of land possess these prime characteristics, making it an essential tool for land-use planning and agricultural zoning.

In comparison, other map types serve different purposes. USGS topographic maps primarily provide information about the terrain's elevation and physical features rather than soil characteristics. USGS ortho-photo quadrangles offer photographic views of the landscape but do not convey information about soil quality. Project flood maps focus on flood-prone areas and hydrological aspects rather than agricultural suitability, thus lacking the specific soil data needed to assess prime farmland.